Israel, much like the fortress of Tel-Chai that Jospeh Trumpeldor fought to defend against Arab conquerors in 1920, finds itself beseiged by enemies both within and without. Terrorists, would-be friends inside and outside Israel, and even bad government officials. Here are the discussions of one proud Zionist resident on the state of the nation and abroad.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Rape in Game of Thrones is sick, but so is gore galore

The series based on George R.R Martin's swashbuckling novels is going to downplay its reliance on sexual abuse for the 6th season. I'd honestly rather the series be boycotted altogether by the TV-watching public, because it's already proven one of the most disgusting pieces of crap even before the whole rape controversy rose up. For now, here's something to ponder:

Even if you accept Sansa/Jeyne’s rape as canon, the way that the scene was shot left many uncomfortable. As Sansa’s being attacked, her friend Theon Greyjoy watches. The camera focuses on his horror rather than Sansa’s pain. [...]

Some fans have interpreted those moments where female characters experience sexual violence as opportunities for them to overcome adversity and become stronger for it. Even if you accept that as a valid argument, though, it’s tough to defend when we’re made to think that the people being most traumatized by the experiences are the men witnessing it.

This is telling as it is disturbing. So here's an example of an "entertainment" product where the male viewpoint is the main concern, not the female viewpoint, let alone the victim's herself. How does that make for any thoughtful drama? I don't get it.

As shitty as this sounds, however, I don't understand why only the sexual assault seems to matter here. Even before rape became one of the most alarming features in this repellent "game", there was already gore galore taking place, with the 3rd season coughing out some of the worst:

The HBO show has created as many headlines for the controversy it’s caused due it's nudity and violence as it has for the amount of acclaim it’s received.

But it seems Game Of Thrones may have taken their shock tactics too far as they left fans in a state of confusion following the penultimate episode of series three, The Rains of Castamere, which aired in the US on Sunday evening.

At the centre of the episode viewers watched as a grisly end came to the King of the North, his mother and pregnant wife, in what is now being dubbed as the one of the most gruesome scenes in TV history.

Furthermore the scene has left viewers, who pay to subscribe to the cable and satellite channel, not only sickened by it's bloody nature but surprised as it has drifted from the George R.R. Martin’s A Storm of Swords, which the third of the seven planned books in the Game of Thrones series.

In the scene Robb Stark, the King of the North engaged in an age old custom of hospitality with Walder Frey by eating his bread and salt.

However after lulling viewers into a false sense of security Walder betrays his guest as he carries out a gruesome act of vengeance against the King and his clan, including of course his wife (who is not pregnant in the book).

The wedding feast soon descends into a bloodbath with most of Robb’s clan also being butchered.

Catelyn Stark, played by Michelle Fairley, had to watch as her daughter and unborn grandchild was slaughtered, then her first born son. before her own throat was also slit.

I'm ready to vomit myself. What's the point of this garbage anyway? From what I've read so far, it all sounds like a lot of filthy sensationalism done under the guise of a swashbuckling tale. This is not something that any sane person need apply to watch.

But the point is, if people found the rape scenes offensive, why didn't they react the same way long ago when all the graphic gore was taking place, assuming I've got all this correct? If there's going to be gore, it's only conceivable they'd turn to rape next, if they hadn't yet at the time.

Furthermore, from what I've been able to learn about Martin himself, I don't like him. He's the kind of leftard who won't recognize how many of these "migrants" from Syria are as much Islamists as the Islamic State themselves, and their adherence can make them just as dangerous. He's also a Republican-hater, and I hesitate to think what his take on Israel could be. It's said that some "social justice warriors" may dislike him too, and that may be, but even so, I don't see much for even a conservative to like about him. I'd stay far away from the repellent TV show based on his junk as possible, and want nothing to do with his novels either. His and the TV producers' angles are just what's wrong with today's entertainment world. And so too are his politics.

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About me

I'm Avi Green

From Jerusalem, Israel

I was born in Pennsylvania in 1974, and moved to Israel in 1983. I also enjoyed reading a lot of comics when I was young, the first being Fantastic Four. I maintain a strong belief in the public's right to knowledge and accuracy in facts. I like to think of myself as a conservative-style version of Clark Kent. I don't expect to be perfect at the job, but I do my best.